X-ray stereoshift mechanism



1950 R. L. GUENTNER ETAL 2,518,884

- X-RAY STEREOSHIFT MECHANISM Filed Dec. 11, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS ATTORNEY g- 15, 5 R. L. GUENTNER ETAL 2,518,884

X-RAY STEREOSHIFT MECHANISM Filed D80. 11, 1947 2 Sheets-Shae; 2

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7 X-E/IY I cow-E01 arm/p WWW ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 15 1951) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,518,884 X-RAY STEREO'SHIFT MECHANISM Robert L. Guentner, Baltimore, and Robert L.

Wright, Severna Park, Md., assignors to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 11, 1947, Serial No. 7 91,134

13 Claims. IV

This invention relates to X-ray photofluorog-' raphy and more particularly to mechanism for automatically operating X-ray apparatus to take a pair of stereoscopic pictures.

The principal object of our invention, generally considered, is to provide apparatus which, upon pushing a control bar energizes an X-ray tube and operates a camera to take a photograph in stereo tube position, cuts off the powe'rto said X-ray tube, moves it to the normal tube position, energizes said tube in the normal-position and operates said camera to take another photograph in stereoscopic relationship with respect to the first photograph, and then automatically deenergizes said tube and returns it to stereo position ready for taking another photograph.

Another object of our invention is to provide means to accurately move the X-ray tube from one position to another without overrunning.

A further object of our invention is to provide a friction arm on the stereo motor to hold in a switchwhich supplies power to saidmotor, so

that reversing of the motor is necessary to cause the arm to back off its switch and cut oii' the motor power.

Other objects and advantages of the invention, relating to the particular arrangement and construction of various parts, will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of apparatus embodying our invention.

Figure 2 is a plan of the stereoshift automatic unit which,-complete with motor and'control systern, may be attached directly to the base of the apparatus of Figure 1, with parts of the housing broken away to more clearly show the interior.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line III-III of Figure 2, in the direction of the arrows, showing the stereoshiit or position cam, associated pulley, and switches in normal position.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line IVIV of Figure 2, in the direction of the arrows, showing the motor-contro1 arm and associated switch.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic View illustrating how'the X-ray tube may be moved from one position'to'the other, without changing the position of the camera, hood; and fluorescent screen, a distance equal to twicethe movement of the position cam pulley.

Figure 6 "is a view corresponding to Figure 3, but-showing the relative position of the stereoshiftor position cam -and pulley when the parts.

are in position for taking a photograph from the first stereo position.

Figure 7 is a view corresponding to Figure 6, but showing the parts, after rotating reversed in position for a, photograph from the normal or second stereo position.

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 7, but showing the next position where the X-ray tube has been moved down to initial stereo picture-taking position.

Figure 2 is a view corresponding to Figure 8, but showing the position where the tube has been moved back to position for normal photofluor-- ography or radiography.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view and wiring diagram for operating the mechanism of the preceding figures, with the parts in position just prior to a stereo sequence.

In the Wagner application, Serial No. 747,253, filed May 10, 1947, now Patent No. 2,492,339 and owned by the assignee of the present application, there is described and claimed photofiuorographic apparatus wherein parts simultaneously move to maintain the alignment of the X-ray tube with the fluoroscopic screen, photographic hood and camera; while said apparatus is set for taking a single photograph from a fixed position at a selected elevation. In accordance with the present invention there is provided apparatus which may be used with such photoiiuorographic apparatus or other X-ray apparatus in order to secure additional advantages as will now be explained.

In addition to taking a photograph from a fixed position, it is frequently desirable to almost instantly thereafter take another from a slightly difierent angle or from a position spaced a short distance from that from which the first photograph was taken, so as to take advantage of the stereoscopic effect. It is also desirable that these photographs be taken automatically after an initial actuation of apparatus, as by pushing a button, so that without further attention, the X-ray tube, after if necessary moving to a first stereo position, is activated, the first photograph taken, the X-ray tube shut off and moved to a second stereo position, where it is again activated, a second photograph taken, and the X-ray tube again shut oh and moved back to the first position preparatory to taking another pair of photographs when desired. It is also desirable that this stereo apparatus be adapted for application to and removal from apparatus for taking pictures by normal photofluorography, such aszdescribed and claimed in said Wagner application, above referred to. The timing of the exposures may be by any method. One method is disclosed in the Zavales et a1. application, Serial No. 673,748, filed June 1, 1946, and owned by the assignee of the present application. We will now describe a preferred embodiment of our invention.

Referring to the drawing in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, there is shown in Figure l, apparatus comprising a pair of base members It and i2, one of which supports an upright or tubularcolumn l3 and the other a pair of uprights or columns I4, shown one behind the other, between which is mounted photofiuorographic apparatus !5 comprising a camera, hood and fluorescent screen. A channel tie bar It interconnects the columns l3 and M at the top and a similar tie bar I? interconnects the bases I! and I2 at the floor line, to position the apparatus carried by the respective columns a predetermined distance apart. Suitable means may be provided to allow for ready assembly and disassembly of the apparatus and for leveling the apparatus with respect to the floor.

The column i3 is provided with a track IS on which a collar or the like i9 is arranged to move. Pivotally secured to the collar 19 is a bracket 2|, while an X-ray tube and housing 22 is in turn pivotally connected to the bracket 2! as by an auxiliary bracket 23. This arrangement allows for both horizontal and vertical adjustment of the X-ray tube which receives operating electrical energy through a pair of high voltage cables 24 and 25 extending to a source of power (not shown) which may include apparatus controlling the timing of the exposure as disclosed in the Zavales application referred to.

A photofiuorographic carriage 26 is arranged to move vertically and disposed between the columns M. It comprises a collar 2'! provided with suitable rollers engageable with tracks extending longitudinally of one of the columns i 4. Secured to the collar 2? or formed integrally therewith is a housing portion 28 which is likewise provided with rollers engageable with a track extending longitudinally of the other column l4, all of said construction being desirably as described in the Wagner application referred to.. A pair of upright brackets 29 are secured to the top of the housing portion 28. 3i is secured to these brackets and provided with a fluorescent screen 32 at its large end nearest the X-ray tube, and a motor-driven motion-picturetype camera 33 at its other end.

An electric motor (not shown) is mounted within the housing 23 and through reduction gearing and a sprocket chain serves as driving mechanism to simultaneously move the picturetaking apparatus l5 up or down with the X-ray tube 22 as desired, and preferably as described in the Wagner application referred to. In order to allow for simultaneous up-or-down movement of the X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, a cable or chain 35, forming a connecting line has one end secured to the collar 21 of thecarriage 26, and passes downwardly around a pulley or gear 35 carriedl by a stereo housing 36 mounted on the base I2, then around a similar pulley or gear 3? at the top of the columns I d, across interiorly of the channel 2 3, around a pulley or gear 38 carried at the top of the column l3, and with itsopposite end connected to the X-ray tube carriage collar l9. Accordingly, as the photofluorographic apparatus is moved upwardly or downwardly, the X-ray tube carriage moves simul- A photographic hood taneously therewith in the same direction, to maintain the axis of the X-ray beam in desired relation parallel to the horizontal axis of the hood 3i, and hence in desired relation with respect to the screen 32 and film within the camera 33, except at times when it is desired to take a stereoscopic picture from an off-set position, as will be described.

For the purpose of Supplying electrical energy to the electric motor in the housing 28, as well as controlling the motor of the camera 33 from the usual control stand, cables 39 and M extend along the channel IS with sufficient slack to allow ample movement of the photofluorographic carriage 26 without placing an extra strain thereon. The drive motor for the carriage is desirably controlled by operation of a drum switch disposed in teriorly of the housing 28, as described in the Wagner application before referred to, to cause upward or downward movement of the apparatus by corresponding rotation of said motor by pressing the operating lever 42 upwardly or downwardly as described in said Wagner application.

In order to allow for not only taking a picture of an object when the X-ray tube 22 is positioned a small distance, two inches for example, above the horizontal centerline of the photographic apparatus [5, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 1, 5, and 10, but also for taking a picture of the same object from a stereoscopic position when the X-ray tube is placed a small distance, inch for example, below, as shown in full lines in said figures, we provide apparatus enclosed in the housing 36 and comprising a so-called stereo induction motor 43. The motor 43 is desirably a S-Wire capacitor type with a double reduction built-in'worm and gear assembly. In the shaft 44 ofrthe rotor of the motor is mounted a stereo shift orposition cam 45, associated with an up limit switch 45 and a down limit switch On a pivotv portion of the position cam, o1tf-set from the axis of shaft 4 1, or on a crank ie 01?- set from said shaft, is mounted the pulley or gear 35 over which the cable or chain 34 passes. This means that rotation of the shaft 44, independent of any other movement, causes corresponding movement of the X-ray tube 22 between the position indicated by the arrows of Figure 1.

In order to employ a small stereo motor 6-3, the weight of the X-ray tube and associated apparatus is neutralized, at least to some extent, by counterweight 49 forming part of or mounted on the cable or chain 34. It will thus be understood that when the stereo motor turns the cam from the normal position illustrated in Figure 3 to that of Figures 5, 6, and 8, the X-ray tube is moved from the position for normal photofluorography, which is also called the second stereo position, downwardly from the dotted line position to the full line position, as illustrated in Figure 5.

To prevent overrunning of the stereo motor 43, we provide it with field windings 5| and 52 and a phase-shifting or splitting condenser 60, for not only causing movement in one direction to raise or lower the X-ray tube, but also a reverse or braking force when the phase shifting condenser is transferred from a series relationship to one winding, to such with respect to the other, for checking the turning of the motor and efiecting a breaking of the circuit thereto, when the desired position of the X-ray tube has been reached. A motor-control or friction arm '53 is mounted on the shaft 44, as shown in Figure 4, so that immediately the motor starts to move, a

amass;

switch =54:is closed and remains closed until the motor 43 is reversed whereupon the irictionarm 53:is backed away, or moved from the dotted to the full line position illustrated in Figure .4, causing the switch. 54 to open and the power to be disconnected from .the motor. The frictional drivexof said arm-.53 may be maintained Joy-having it carry a sliding shoe member 20 resiliently pressedpagainst the shaft .44 .bya spring 30 held under adjusted pressure by :f-ollower 40 threaded into said. arm.

"To .move :cam 45- and the X-ray tubev from normal or up position :tofirst stereo or down position, the three. pole toggle switch 55 isput in the downf-aposition as shownin Eigure 1-0,' and the .-preset button 56 depressed. This provides power for the stereo motor- 43,. ;causing it to go onehalf revolution and stop. The circuit is then; as shown :in Figure 10, :ready to begin taking stereo sequences.

vTo start-a sequence, depress the manual circuit :closer or "push bar. .51., which may; correspond with the exposure switch 106 of the Zava'les et al. application referred to,..to cause the apparatus described to automatically go through the deciredvpicture-taking cycle. We have provided a timer motor 58 to drive a shaft 50 onwhichit mounted a series of cams forming with: associated switches a sequence timer, means being providedsothat .onceioperated the cams will be-turned. a complete revolution and returned to initial position.

The motor 58 is shown in plan in Figure 2 with its'associated cams and switches and diagrammatically in Figure 10. From Figure 10,, ,it will be seen that there are four cams; that numbered 59 and its associated switch 6| serving to provide a holding circuit to keep the motor 58 running afterbeing started, even ifthe. push bar 51 is released;- a cam 62 and switch 63 serving to restart the stereo motor 43 to move the X-ray tube up or from first stereo. position to second stereo position; a oam 64 and associated switch 55 to move the tube down or from normal or second stereo position to first stereo position; and a cam66 and switch 61- to control the high voltage power,- energizing and deenergizing theX-raytube andmoving the filminthecamera 33 after exposure thereof, for taking the two pictures, thatisone from each. of the stereo positions above referred to.

The .camsdesirably. have a contour substantially as illustrated in Figure and are so disposed on-the shaft, 50 and theirlow dwells are of such lengths,v that the sequence of operation of the respective switches'is as follows. (1) Switch 61 is moved-to. close a circuit; (2) switch 6'! is released to close a circuit; (3) switch 61 is moved to open its circuit; (4) switch 63 is released-to close a. circuit; (5):switch 63 is moved to open its circuit; (6) switch 61 is again released to close-its circuit; (7) switch- 65 is released to close acircuit; (8): switch 61 isagain moved to open itscircuit; (9) switch 65 is'moved to open its circuit; and (10) switch 6| is released to open its circuit. As illustrated the=low dwell .of cam 59lhas a-length of about 30, those of cams 62 and 54-. lengths of. about 65, while cam 56 has onelow dwell about 65.long andone about 130 long, separated by about 75.

.Reierringnow-to-the wiring diagram of Figure lllfland. assuming thatthe 'X-ray tube 22 is in upper or normal position, the toggle switch 55 to. set for :stereo is-moved down. to that-position aslindicated, and the preset push button 56 depressed. iThis. energizes the stereo. motor switch solenoid 68 from power line. 26.9.th11ough lines II and l2..and back-through line 13, .down limit switchlllluof. cam 45,.line l4, fpreset button 5.6, line 115, and-toggle switch. 55 to power line T6. The stereo motor 43hasits winding 51 energizedt directly,:-and. its windin 52 energized in series-with the phase-shifting condenser .50, from line-12 through .upperswitch ITWhfiIl in .upper position, the return being .throughline 18,. .lower solenoid control switch I 9 in its.up. position, lines 31, 82,83,84, and 85, back..to power line 76, causingthemotor to turn one half revolution and move the X-ray tube fromnormal. position illustrated in dottedHlinesdown-to .first stereo position illustrated .in fulllines in Figures 5 and 10.

Thisrmovement oithe motor turns the cam 45 torithe positionnillustrated in Figures fi, 6, and 10-wherelthe switch is opened, thereby deenergizing thesolenoid -58 and allowing: the switches -l'l-and i 9, controlled thereby, to drop. This movement of the switches momentarily reverses-the motor .byenergizing its winding 52 directlyirom line 12- through switch. 11 inlower position, and its winding 5i inseries with said condenser -65. ihe circuit is completed through switch 54, which-was closed by friction arm-53 on-the motor-43 upon its-being initially started, and back-to thepower-line it through-lines 83, 84,-and- 55. This-reversal of the motor, however, causes the friction arm 53 to immediately'back away from and a1low=the switch 54 to open, thereby insuring that the'motor is stopped at the desired position.

'-Af-ter-moving' X-ray tube down to the first stereo positiomas above described, the push bar 51 is depressed by the operator to start the motor 58 iordriving the sequence timing cams for one complete revolution. The circuit for this operation-is from power line it through line 91, push bar 51,line 86', toggle switch 55,'lines 81 and 88, solenoid-controlled switch 85 in down or released position, line 9|, solenoid-controlled switch 92 in down or released position, lines 93 and 94, through motor, andback through line 95, toggle switch 55, and-line "H to power line 69.

Turning of the sequence timer cams closes the switchtl of "cam59, and establishes a holding circuit for the motor, as well as energizin the X-ray tube for the first stereo position picture by closing switch 61 of cam '65. The holding circuit for the motor is from power line 69 through line ll, toggle switch 55, line 95, motor 58, line 9.4, switch BI, and lines 96, 84, and 85, to power line 16. The X-ray control circuit is from power line '16, through line 9?, push bar 51, line 86, toggle switch 55, line 81, line 98, switch Bl, and lines 99, 'lDl and 102 to starting connection. on X-ray control stand. The establishment of. this circuit connects the output from the high-tension transformer I03 and rectifier I04 to the X-ray tube 22 for taking the first stereo position picture. This X-ray control circuit is maintained after-initiation, even if the push bar 5? is released, .byaholdin circuit from line 16, through lines 85,-84, 96, switch 6|, lines 94, 93, switch 92, line 9i, switch 89, and from there through lines 88 and 81. to same starting connection on X-ray control stand. Further turning of the cam 66 opensthe switch 61 and cuts off the power to the X-ray tube 22. The camera movements are synchronized with the .X-ray exposures by the control stand-in the'case' of a motor driven cam- I era; bythe'iemale connector-l22inthe case-of asolenoid-operated camera; or by handfor a manualcamera. The camera and exposure of the film therein may be controlled in the following manner. The reference Zcharacter I24 designates an X-ray timer, which may be of known construction, receiving power from line 69 through lines I25. and 26. Line I26 is extended and through line I21 connects with film-actuatingmechanism I28 in the camera 33. The X-raytimerl24 is also connected through line I29 to acontact used in connection with the film actuating, mechanism which, when the latter is energized, is connected to another contactclosing a circuitthrough line ISI to the conneotionof line IDZ-in X-ray control stand. The line I26 also connects with one terminal of the;solenoid, I32. in, contactor I33, the other terminal of whichv is connected through line I347to a contact in the X-ray timer I24,.which in turnis connected to linegl29rby bridgin conductor I35 upon energizationof the timer mechani m,,l'36.,,,

It will thus been seen rthatpower passes from lines 69, 16, and 31,130 the. controlapparatus. Fjrom line 69 it passes along lines I25, I26, and I21 to timer, camera, contactor mechanisms, and back on a line 16. Power from line 91' passes through push bar 51, switch 61, lines 99, IGI, I62 and I3I to a contact in the camera. The camera istriggered through its mechanism I29 to close its switch I31, move the film therein; and allow power to pass out through line I29 to timer mechanism I36, causing contactor I35 to close and noid I59, back through lines" 3 and H4, in parallel'with the motor 58 topower line 69. The lower switch II'I of solenoid I89 energizes solenoid III from power line 69 through lines II, toggle switch 55, line 95, H4, H3, H5 and back through line II6,-switch II1, lines H8, 61, toggle switch 55, line 86, push bar 51, and line 91 to power line 16, raising switch 89 and breaking circuit used for initiating a cycle and that for maintaining the X-ray control circuit. These solenoids I89 and III are for breaking the originalpush-bar source of. timer power, and causing the timer motor 58 todraw, power from line 26 through its own interlock switch 6I.

The X-ray tube 22 is in the second stereo position, when the switch 61 is closed the second time and the switch 63 opened upon further turning of the cams. The second exposure is initiated, providing the push bar 51- is depressed. The circuit is from power line 16 through line 91, push bar 51, line 95, toggle switch 55, lines 81 and 68, switch 61, and lines 99, ISI and I02 to starting connection of X-ray control stand. After the maximum expected exposure time, switch 61 is opened by cam 69, cutting ofi power to the X-ray tube, while cam switch 65 closes circuit through down limit switch 41, energizing solenoid 68 and windings 5i and 52 or" motor 43, and starting operation thereof to move cam 45 to position 01' Figure 8 and lower the X-ray tube 22, and then is opened. The motor 43 is stopped, as in the preceding case, after one half revolution.

7 The camera movements are synchronized with start'its automatic sequence. The timer then controls the duration of the X-rays. The actual power for the 'X-ray flows through a heavy duty solenoid'contactor switch I38, in contactor I33, thereby energizing transformer primary I93 through lines I4I, I42, and'l43 from X-ray control stand. The contactor and part of the timer inay'b'e inside the'co'ntrol stand or separate therefrom, as desired. f

The stereo motor 43 is given another half turn to move the cam 45 to the position of Figure 7 upon restarting cam 62 reaching the position where it closes switch 63. The circuit controlled thereby is from power line 69 through lines 1| and 12 to solenoid 68, raising switches 11 and 69. From the solenoid 68 the circuit goes through line 13, up limit switch 46, lines I95, I86, and I51, switch 63, and to power line 16 through lines I98, 84, and 85. The motor 43 is energized from line 12 through switch 11 in up position, the return circuit being through line 18, switch 19, and lines SI, 82, 83, 84, and 85 to power line 18, thereby causing the friction arm 53 on the motor output shaft to immediately close the plugging switch 54 which parallels the circuit through the switch 19.

Upon the cam 45 reaching the'position of Figure 7, the circuit to the solenoid 68 isbroken, allowing the switches 11 and 19 to drop, energizing the motor momentarily through switch 54 until that opens upon themotorstarting to reverse. With the cam 45 in the position of Figure 1, solenoids I99 and III are energized, raising their switches, whereby a circuit is estabiished from line 84 through line I09, switch 63,

lines I81, I96, I65, up limit switch 46, line I I2, switch 92, in up position, lines 93, 94, motor 58, and back to power line 69 through line 95, toggle switch 55 and line 1|.

The upper switch of solenoid I09 causes it to lock to power line 16 through lines 85, 84, 96, switch 6|, lines 94, 93, switch 92, and from solethe X-ray exposures by the control stand in the case of a motor driven camera; or by the female connector I22 in the case of a solenoid-operated camera; or by hand for a manual camera, as in the previous instance. The cam switch 8I opens, cleenergizing the solenoid I99, and breaking the hoiding circuit to and stopping the timing motor 58. The solenoid I I I, however, remains locked to the main control until release of the push bar 51 completes the sequence, with the X-ray tube in lower position.

Reviewing the operation of the aforedescribed mechanism, it is pointed out that if the parts are in normal position, they are moved to first stereo position by moving toggle switch 55 down to the position of Figure 10 and pushing the preset button 56. Holdin down the preset button establishes a circuit through solenoid 68, causing its controlled switches 11 and 19 to establish a circuit through motor 43, causing it to run in its forward direction and establish a, circuit through switch 54, paralleling that through switch 19, until the cam 45 moves switch 41 and cuts off power from the solenoid 68, by moving to the position shown in Figure 10. Switches 11 and 19, upon being released, establish a circuit in which the condenser 69 is transferred from series relationship" withwinding 52 to that with winding 5i, causing momentary reversal of the motor, opening switch 54, stopping all action, and leaving the circuit as in Figure 10 ready for a stereo sequence.

To start a stereo sequence, push bar 51 is depressed, initiating a circuit through the timer motor 58 and switches 92 and B9 in their lower positions. The timer motor then gets power through its holding circuit cam switch 6I, and must thus run for one complete revolution. After the first exposure, the motor 43 runs one half revolution and stops. Immediately the solenoid I99 gets power through up limit switch 46 for an instant before cam 62 cuts the power off by age-r ces opening its switch 63. HoWverfeis soon -as-solenoid I09 gets this power, it connects itself to a hold-ingcircuit from its switch 92 in up position, and it must remain energized until the holding cam 59 ends the sequenceev'en -though"up-lim'it switch 46 opens theorigina'l source'of power to solenoid Hi9.

Energizing the solenoid I09 causes energizing of the solenoid l H with powerthrough'push'bar 5 1 and switch H1 of Solenoid- I09. so l'efibid [H then pulls up its switch '89, establishing "a'cir'cuit paralleling that through switch H 1.

After making the second exposura'the stereo motor 43 moves the tubedown to first stereo Position, opening circuit tosol'eno'id- 108. "Holding circuit cam 59 to its original position, opening circuit to timermotor'fiil," and putting on power to solenoid Hill. 'I'h'e timer motorjs't ops and the solenoid 1B9 releases "its switches 92 and l l 1, allowing them to revert "co-their normal down positions. 7

However, if the push bar 5 depressed, the solenoid HI is kept and the up position of its switch '89 prevents reestablisliment of the initial power circuit to the timer motor 58 through said puf'sh par,- tnu's revenun'g recycling or the starting ore new timer'motoroperation. Switch 89- thus 'preventsreestablish ment of the sequence *t'intil FTis released without-erasures; prev" 1 enfingsne stertmg 'of a se u nce immediately, il'uesired; 'by'redepressing said .pushjbari In order to raise the tube; trretoggleswitoh 55 'is thrown to upper or normal position, eners zing solenoid 6'8 from-iineffz througn line 13,

u limit switch as, imam, toggie'switoh S5 and line 12 l to power iine'ilt. energizes the windings 51 and 5'2 'o'r'motor through switch 11 in up position, as in the preceding instance and causes the'c'am 15 to move to the'position of Figure 9, raising the X r'ay t'ubeiZZ "to "up er or normal position.

A female two pole connector l22 "is provided in line I23 to allow for a surge o flpower'be'tween exposures in case a hand-wound camera with 21 415 magnetic film changer 'is'used. The toggle switch is set to stereo and, while the motor '58 is running, current from power line 16 is brought through lines at, 84, I08, switch 63, lines (01, et, I05, and l is. Since in this circuit '"no connection is available which will provide .power only between exposures, the connector receives power through switch and 'downliinit switch flouring the second period "of motor-operation. The expected activity of hand-wouiidcainei'aswith apparatus of this character is not large, "however. and. the extra operation ofthe camera solenoid is not expected to be objectionable.

From the foregoing disclosure it will be seen that we have provided apparatus whichihay be used with other known apparatus :in rorueito adapt it for automatically'taliing' a picture in one position and, shortly thereafter. one in stereo relationship with respect to the iirs't picture, using only one camera and one X-ray tube, while attaininq in practical efieotthe advantages which could be obtained if two cameras in stereoscopic relationship simultaneously took pictures of an obiect.

Operation of the unit iscoinpletel'yautomatic. Initially the x ray tube is desirati fo small distance, such as one half ineh below'tlie center liiie of the camera hood. When the'push bar is nopressed, the first stereo exposure isniatle, and the tube shifts upward a instance, 'siich'a's 2 7g.

second exposure is made, and the tube returns 'toits initial position ready for the next patient. Since normal 'photofiuorography is done with the tube in upper-position, a toggle switch is provided to move the tube to that position. Return to -ster eo fs-accomplished with the same toggle switch and a preset push button.

A timer receives an initial surge of power upon "depressing the control push bar, goes through one revolutiomand stops. By its cam-switch arrangement, when an exposure is made, the timer sends power to the control, which in turn properly a'ctivatesthe'tube. The timer also supplies power to the motor through relays and limit switches.

The Sta-e0" motor drives a pulley mounted on'a camcrank. The pulley shifts the tube by pulling the interconnecting chain to which the tubehead carriage is attached. Sinceit is of a type instantly reversible, it may be stopped by -plugging, that is reversing the windings and their cutting =ol'ff the power. Three relays controlled by three limit switches and the timer produces the automatic control of the unit. The up and-down limit switches are in series with timer switches and the motor is in series with the pluggin'gswitch. When the motor isrlin, a tii'nerswi-tch energizes a-r'elay, shorting out the normally open plugging switch and starting the motor.

a-lim'it'switch falls out, it deenergizes a relay; reversing the "motor connections and forcing 'the mo'tor'to draw its power through'the plugging switch. The motor reverses momentarily, until the plu gng arm backs off the plugging switch and breaks the circuit, eifec'ting quick stoppage. The arrangement is such that the tiirfer-'-1'uns, upon removing the original push b'ai' source of power, through its own interlock, ahd'sto'ps running at the end of one sequence.

Power used 'toinitiate X-ray exposures enters the stereo "mechanism from the control push bar, and leaves through a timer switch. If the control p'us'h bar is released after the sequence be'gins'the first exposure takes place, using power through the timer switch and relays. Thus the exposure will always be made. The second, however, due to the energizing of relays, will only "be r'nade if'the push bar is held down until the tube starts to drop to its initial position.

Although a preferred embodiment of our invention has been disclosed, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for taking stereo photofluorographic pictures, comprising means including a connecting chain mounting an X-ray tube and picture=taking equipment in such relationship that both may be moved up or down together, in accordance with the elevation 'at which it is desired-to take such pictures, and apparatus "tor automatically changing the relative elevation'of said X-ray tube and picture-takin equipment, comprising a shaft, a crank on said shaft,

' "a pulley mounted on said crank and over which said connecting chain passes, a motor for driving said shaft, and control mechanism for said motor to cause it tooscillate said shaft to, between the taking of stereoscopic pictures, move said pulley from one extreme elevational position to the other to effect "an elevational movement of the X-ray tube of double the pulley movement.

2. Apparatus for taking stereo photofluoro- "graphic'pictures, comprising means including a 11 connecting chain mounting an X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment in such relationship that both may be moved up or down together, and apparatus for automatically changing the relative elevation of said X-ray tube and picture taking equipment comprising a shaft, a crank on said shaft, a pulley mounted on said crank and over which said connecting chain passes, a cam also mounted on the shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, and a sequence timer connected to control said motor and cause it when energized to turn the cam 180 and move said pulley from one extreme elevational position to the other to effect an elevational movement of the X-ray tube of double the pulley movement between operations of said X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment.

3. Apparatus for taking stereo photofiuorographic pictures, comprising means including a connecting chain mounting an X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment including film-advancing mechanism in such relationship that both may be moved up or down together, in accordance with the elevation at which it is desired to take such pictures, and apparatus for automatically changing the relative elevation of said X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, comprising a shaft a crank on said shaft, a pulley mounted on said crank and over which said connecting chain passes, a camalso mounted on the shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, and a sequence timer connected to control said motor and cause it when energized to turn the cam 180 and effect the operation of said X-ray tube andpicturetaking equipment, said timer comprising a shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, a plurality of cams on said shaft, switches respectively controlled by said cams, one of said switches serving to establish a holding circuit to insure that the timer motor rotates through an entire sequence after initial actuation, a second switch serving to cause the X-ray tube to move from initial to a second picture-taking position, a third switch effecting movement of said tube back to initial picture-taking position, and a fourth switch controlling the power supply to the X-ray tube, whereby said X-ray tube may be energized and the picture-taking equipment operated while in one position, then shut off and the film in said picture-taking equipment moved one frame, said motor then energized to turn said cam and the crank-carried pulley, moving said X-ray tube to another position, said tube reenergized, the picture-taking equipment operated in said other position, the power to said tube cut off, the film in said equipment moved another frame, and

the motor then moving the X-ray tube back to the first position; preparatory to repeating the program.

4. Apparatus for taking stereo photofluorographic pictures comprising means for changing the relative positions of an associated X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, and a sequence timer controlling the movement of said apparatus comprising a shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, a plurality of cams on said shaft, switches respectively controlled by said cams, one of said switches serving to establish a holding circuit to insure that the motor rotates through an entire sequence after initial actuation, a second switch serving to cause the X-ray tube to move from' initial picture-taking position, and a fourth switch controlling the power supply to the 2;-

ray tube, whereby, after the start of a cycle, said cams close the fourth and first switches to energize the X-ray tube and establish a holding circuit for the motor, then open the fourth switch, then close the second switch to effect movement of the X-ray tube to said second position, then close the fourth switch for the second time and open the second switch, then close the third switch to move the X-ray tube back to initial position and againopen the fourth switch, then open the third switch, and finally open the first switch preparatoryto starting a new cycle.

5. Apparatus for taking stereophotofiuorographic pictures comprising means for changing the-- relative positions of an associated X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, and a sequence timer controlling the-movement of said apparatus, comprising a shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, a push bar for initiating a power circuit to said motoruincluding, a switch in its released position, a second switch, a first solenoid for when energized "moving said switches and breaking said circuit, a plurality of cams on said shaft, switches respectively .controlled by said cams, one of said switches serving to establish a holdingcircuitto insure that the timer motor rotates through van entire sequence after initial actuation a second switch serving to cause the v.X-ray', tube tomove from initial to a second picture-takingposition, a second solenoid in the circuit with .second of ,said-solenoid moved switches,

a two position switch. lwhich, in its released position is in saidpower-cii cuit with said first solenoid switch and is ,moyed. uponl energization of said s'econdsolenoid tolpi'event reestablishment of the vinitial actuating-power circuitthrough said push bar. and starting. of. anew sequencetimer operation ,until release and redepression vof said push bar, a third switch effecting movement of said tube back to initial picture-taking position, ,and a fourth switch controlling the power supply to the X-ray tube,said cams being arranged andconstructed to, after the start of a cycle, close .the fourth and. first switches to energize the XeraY tube andestablish a holding circuit ,for' the; motor, "then..open the fourth switch, then close the second switch to effect movement ,oi the X-ray tube to said second position, then. close fourth switch for the second time and. open the second switch, then close the third switchto move the X-ray tube back to initial position and againopen the fourth switch,

thenopen. the third switchland finally open the first switchpreparatoryto starting a new cycle, whereby aften, a. first stereo. exposure the tube shifts upward, a, second exposure is made, and the tube returnslto its initial .position ready for the next patient 6. In apparatus for taking stereo photofluorographic pictures, means forchanging the relativepositions of, an associated...X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, a sequence timer controlling the movement of said apparatus comprising a motona push. bar forv initiating a power circuit to said motor, including auswitch in its released position, a second switeh, a, first solenoid for when energized moving, said switches and breaking said circuit, a, plurality of cams turned by said motor, control switches respectively opened and closed bysaid cams, and means to prevent the motor. from, continuously turning the cams through more than one cycle in case the push baris continuously held down, comprising a second solenoidin the circuit with the second of the first solenoid-moved switches, and

a two-position switch which in its released position is in said power circuit to the motor with said first solenoid switch and is moved upon energization' of-lsaid second solenoid to prevent reestablishment of the initial actuating power circuit to said motor through said push bar.

'7. .In apparatus for taking stereophotofluorographic pictures, a motor for moving an X-ray tube from one stereoscopic position to another, said .motor having field coils and. a phase-shifting reversing condenser associated therewith, a solenoid-controlled switch to change the "relationship between said condenser and coils, a friction arm carried on said motor shaft, and a switch controlled by said "arm, whereby upon the motor turning through 180, the condenser relationship is changed, starting a momentary reverse motor movement and retraction of the friction arm to open the circuit and deer; ergize said motor, thereby avoiding motor overri nning and insuring that the X-ray tube is moved the distance desired.

8. Apparatus for taking stereo photofiuorographic pictures, comprising a pair of base mem bers one of which supports a single column and the other a pair of columns, an X-ray tube mounted on said single column, photofluor'ographic apparatus mounted between the :columns of said second base member and comprising a camera, a motor therein, a film driven by said motor for periodically changing frames, a hood and a fluorescent screen, means including a chain connecting said X-ray tube and photo-fluorographic apparatus, means operating through said chain for moving said Xray tube and photofiuorographic apparatus up or down together, in accordance with the elevation at which pictures are to be taken, a motor and operated shaft for moving said X-ray tube from one stereoscopic position to another, and a pulley carried by said shaft and rotatable on an axis offset from the shaft axis, and over which said chain passes, whereby turning of the shaft 180, when the pulley is in extreme down or up position, moves the pulley up or down and effects an opposite movement of the X-ray tube of double the distance.

9. Apparatus for taking stereo photofluorographic pictures, comprising a pair of base members one of which supports a single column and the other a pair of columns, an Y-ray tube mounted on said single column, photofiuorographic apparatus mounted between the columns of said second base member and comprising a camera, a motor therein, a film driven by said motor for periodically changing frames, a hood and a fluorescent screen, means including a chain connecting said X-ray tube and photofiuorographic apparatus, means operating through said chain for moving said X-ray tube and photofiuorographic apparatus up or down together, in accordance with the elevation at which pictures are to be taken, a motor and operated shaft for moving said X-ray tube from one stereoscopic position to another, a pulley carried by said shaft and rotatable on axis offset from the shaft axis, and over which said chain passes, whereby turning of the shaft 186, when the pulley is in extreme down or up position, moves the pulley up or down and. effects an opposite movement of the X-ray tube of double tr e distance, said motor having field coils, a condenser associated therewith, a switch controlled to change the relationship between said condenser and cells, a friction arm carried on the motor shaft. and a switch controlled by said arm, whereby upon starting ,graphicpictures comprisingian X-ray tube, photofluorographic apparatus comprising a camera, aihood and a fluorescent screen, means including archain connecting said X-ray tube and photofluorographic" apparatus, means operating ,throughra: chain for. movingsaidX-ray tube and photofluorographic apparatus up or down togetherin accordance with the elevation at which pictures are to be taken, a shaft, a crank onrsaidizshaft, apulley rotatable on said crank andaround which said. chain passes, a motor fordri-vingsaid shaft to move said X ray tube from one-stereoscopicposition to another, wherebyturning of the shaft when the crank is in extreme down .or up position, moves the pulley up or :down and effects an'opposite movement of the X-ray tube of double the-distance.

11, In apparatus-for taking stereo photofiuorographic pictures base members, columns extending from-saidbasemembersan X-ray tube carriage supported by one of said columns, a photofluoroscopic carriage supported by other of said columns, a tie bar connecting the tops of said columns, a connecting line passing over pulleys adjacent the tops of said columns, along said tie bar, and with its ends respectively secured to said carriages to cause simultaneous movement thereof in the same direction longitudinally of said respective columns, driving mechanism mounted on said photofiuoroscopic carriage and serving to simultaneously move the carriages up or down as desired, a housing mounted on the base member below said photofluoroscopic apparatus, a motor comprising a rotor with a shaft enclosed in said housing, said shaft carrying an electrical control cam and crank offset thereon, a pulley carried on said crank, the connecting line passing around said pulley, and switch means cooperating with said cam and enclosed in said housing for controlling said motor, so that a predetermined times its rotor and shaft turn, moving said pulley from extreme uppermost to extreme lowermost position and vice versa, thereby effecting a corresponding movement of the X-ray tube carriage with respect to the photofiuoroscopic carriage of double the pulley movement.

12. Apparatus for taking stereo photofluorographic pictures comprising means for changing the relative positions of an associated X-ray tube and picture-taking equipment, a sequence timer for controlling the operation of said apparatus comprising a shaft, a motor for driving said shaft, a manual. circuit closer for initiating a power circuit to said motor including a switch in its released position, a second switch, a first solenoid for when energized moving said switches and breaking said circuit, a second solenoid in a circuit with said closer and said second switch when moved upon energization of said first solenoid, a two-position switch controlled by said second solenoid and which in its released position is needed to complete the initial power circuit, and is moved to its other position upon energization of said second solenoid to break said circuit, establish a holding circuit through said second solenoid and circuit closer, thus preventing reestablishment of the power circuit to said motor, and the starting of a new sequence of operations until release and reactuation of said closer.

.a first solenoid for when energized moving said switches and breaking said circuit, a second solenoid in a circuit with said closer and said second switch when moved upon energization of said first solenoid, a two-position switch controlled by said second solenoid and which in its released position is needed to complete the initial power circuit, and is moved to its other position upon energization of said second solenoid, to prevent reestablishment of the initial actuating power circuit to said motor through said circuit closer, a cam turned by said motor, a control switch opened and closed by said cam, said cam switch when closed establishing a holding circuit for said motor, independent of said circuit closer and said first and two-position solenoid switches, and a holding circuit for supplying power to said X-ray tube independent of said circuit closer, but ineluding said switches in released positions, and means efiecting energization of said first solenoid after the taking of the first picture of a stereo sequence to thereby move the second switch, energize said second solenoid, move the two-position switch from its released position, and break the X-ray tube holding circuit, whereby the first picture of a stereo sequence is taken when said two-position switch is in released position without continuous use of the circuit closer, and the second picture of said sequence can be taken only when said switch is raised and the circuit closer used.

ROBERT L. GUEN'INER.

ROBERT L. WRIGHT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in th file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Numb er 

